A flashing check engine light is an emergency. It usually means a severe misfire, so one or more cylinders aren’t burning fuel the way they should.
That raw fuel goes into the exhaust. It can overheat and ruin the catalytic converter. One US shop says a new converter usually costs much more than fixing the misfire.
Worn spark plugs and failing ignition coils are frequent causes. They often make the light flash when the engine is working hard.
Sources don’t agree on what to do next. Some say stop driving right away. Others say ease off the gas and drive gently to a shop for a prompt check. The safer advice is to stop.
Pull over where it’s safe, shut the engine off and have the car towed. Do this for sure if the engine shakes or runs rough. Don’t keep driving like normal, even if the car seems fine.
Get the misfire found and fixed before you drive again. Our mechanics can read the code and test the parts. For prices, read our guide to check engine light diagnostic cost in Vancouver.
Service desk The full guide
Check engine light diagnostic cost in Vancouver: the published prices, what a quote covers and how to compare quotes.